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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Tackling embedded objects

A "foreign body" that has lodged within a wound can cause infection. The object may be relatively easy to remove, as is usually the case with a splinter. However, if you are in any doubt about your ability to remove it safely and cleanly, leave it until you can get professional help. This is essential if the object is large or deeply embedded. A Foreign body will usually set up an infection around the site within hours so this problem should be promptly resolved. An embedded object left in the wound could cause an infection of the bloodstream.

Even tiny embedded objects can be very painful, and they may travel and cause further problems - such as pressure on a nerve or an annoying lump. Only remove an embedded body (or any foreign body) if the injury is minor and it is easy to do so; otherwise, get medical help. Sometimes doctors decide to leave an embedded object in place, because it is more risky to remove it than to leave it where it is.

Small splinters

A small splinter of wood, metal or glass may come out if you gently squeeze the skin on either side. If it is protruding from the skin, it may be easy to remove with a pair of sterile tweezers. Sterilize them in boiling water for a few seconds, or hold them in a gas flame, and allow to cool before using. Pull the splinter out at the angle it went in. (Soft wood may need expert aid, as it falls apart easily.) Small splinters that are visible just under the skin may be taken out very carefully with sterile tweezers and a sterile needle, but never dig around - you could cause great harm.

If you cannot see a splinter be very wary of trying to remove it: Small objects under the skin often become surrounded by pus after a few days, and then pop out easily. Glass is very difficult to find and does not aIways show up on X-rays. Even a foreign body that does show up on an X-ray can be hard to Iocate, so removal is best left to experts. Whether or not a casualty has tetanus cover mat afect your assessment.

Fish hooks

These can be very sharp and often get stuck in people's fingers. The barb means you can't pull them back out the way they went in.

Your first priority is to get medical help. Ask if the casualty has tetanus cover; if not, medical aid is particularly important. medical aid is particularly important.

Remove a hook only if no help is available, especially if you can't see the barb. If the barb is visible, use pliers to cut the barb off and then pull the hook out.

If you know that there is a barb, but cannot see it, only try to pull the hook out if no medical hilp is available. The person may require an anaesthetic before this is done, so it is best to take them to a doctor. If you do have to remove it, still get them to a doctor as fast as possible to be checked out.

Large embedded objects

If a large object is embedded in the wound, you should not try to remove it but should seek urgent medical help. This is especially important if the injury is to the chest or abdomen. The object may have cut through large blood vessels or even be embedded in the heart, but while it remains in the wound, it may act as a plug and prevent further bleeding.You could do iust as much damage pulling it out as occurred as the object went in.

If someone is impaled, on a railing for example, do not try to get them off it. Only do this is if the person needs to be resuscitated, in which case this takes priority. Instead, help the person to stay still and try to support their weight in as comfortable a position as possible. Cover them with a coat or blanket to keep them warm, and call the emergency services immediately or ask a helper to do so. Tell the operator that the casualty is impaled, as the fire brigade will be required with cutting equipment. Reassure the casualty that help is on its way and keep talking to them to keep them calm.